Comparing tACS and tDCS for treating schizophrenia
Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation vs Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Psychopathology Measures and Neurocognition in Chronic Schizophrenia: A Randomized Double-blind Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether two different types of brain stimulation, tACS and tDCS, can help improve symptoms and thinking skills in people with chronic schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bhubaneswar, Odisha) |
| Trial ID | NCT06494124 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of transcranial Alternating current stimulation (tACS) versus transcranial Direct current stimulation (tDCS) and sham stimulation in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups receiving either tACS, tDCS, or sham stimulation over a period of 10 days, with assessments conducted using various scales to measure changes in psychopathology and neuro-cognition. The primary outcome will be evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), while secondary outcomes will include assessments of auditory hallucinations, cognitive deficits, and overall functioning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-60 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia for more than 2 years and moderate to severe symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric emergencies, contraindications for tDCS, or co-morbid neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new non-invasive treatment option for improving symptoms in patients with chronic schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research in the field of brain stimulation for schizophrenia, the specific comparison of tACS and tDCS in this context is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of Schizophrenia as per ICD-10 DCR for more than 2 years 2. Moderate-severe symptoms (PANSS score \> 75 and/or CGI-SCH score\>4) \[24\] 3. On stable dosing of antipsychotic medications (no changes in medication or doses for 1 month prior to enrolment) 4. Both sexes; Age range: 18-60 years 5. Right-handed 6. Written informed consent by the patient Exclusion Criteria: 1. Features suggestive of psychiatric emergency (for example: suicidal risk, catatonia, prolonged nutritional deprivation) or others (for example: aggression or excitement) 2. Any contraindication to tDCS procedure: Metal in the head, Implanted brain medical devices, Local lesion or injury in the scalp / head 3. Co-morbid neurological disease 4. Left Handed
Where this trial is running
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- All India Institute of Medical Scinces - Bhubaneswar — Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Biswa R Mishra
- Email: brm1678@gmail.com
- Phone: 09438884220
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.